Event Spaces & Seating Configurations

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Grainger Hall offers a wide variety of spaces to host conferences, meetings and other special occasions. Explore the different rooms available and their seating configurations. To view a picture of the room click on a setup type listed for that room.

Grainger Hall is the primary instructional space for the Wisconsin School of Business Undergraduate, Masters, full-time and part-time MBA and PhD courses. In addition, the University of Wisconsin campus relies on Grainger Hall for instructional space. As a result, space assignments are made using the following criteria:

First priority – Undergraduate Business and PhD Courses and Course-Related Activities

Second priority – Undergraduate Business and PhD Events

Third priority – Wisconsin School of Business Department/Center and Student Organization events

The West Atrium has four tables with four stools each. The space as a whole can be requested for special event setups or individual tables can be reserved. Please direct any questions regarding this space to Event Services at graingerevents@wsb.wisc.edu.

The East Wing of Grainger Hall was made possible by the generous contributions from the Grainger Foundation, Jeffrey and Julie Diermeier, and additional gift funds. This space is designated for MBA programs and related activities. Space in Grainger Hall’s new addition will be granted based on the following criteria:

First Priority: MBA Courses and Course-Related Activities

Second Priority: MBA Events – MBA Program/Centers/Specializations

Third Priority: Outreach – Wisconsin School of Business Non-MBA Departmental Board Meetings and Outreach Activities involving Alumni and Corporate Partners

Fourth Priority: University of Wisconsin Department Events with Special Approval from the MBA Department

Fifth Priority: Non-University Events with Sponsorship by a Campus Department and Special Approval from the MBA Department

Banquet

Tables pushed together to form rows, with aisles left in between the rows and chairs set up on both sides of the rectangular tables. This setup is most useful for dining and maximizes the room’s space.

Conference

Tables pushed completely together in a square with no space left in the middle; chairs are arranged on the perimeter of the tables. This set up is ideal for a conference, meeting, or conference call where individuals need to be in closer proximity.

Herringbone

Tables angled in towards a head speaker table with 5 chairs arranged around each table. This setup is ideal for a presentation, as the speaker is easily visible to the audience.

Lecture

Chairs arranged in rows according to the number of audience members. This setup is ideal for a lecture, speech, or movie presentation when tables are not needed. Allows for the most efficient use of the room space.

Square

Tables arranged in a square shape with space in the middle and chairs situated evenly around the perimeter. Ideal for larger meetings where a conference setup would be less efficient.

U-Shape

Tables arranged in u-shape to face a head table with chairs situated on the outer perimeter. Ideal for a conference or meeting with a head speaker, but allows for discussion between audience members.

Classroom

Tables arranged in rows with space in between each table; 2-3 chairs situated on one side of the table, facing a speaker or presenter. Ideal for a presentation where the audience does not need to interact with one another. Less efficient than a herringbone setup.

Rounds

Round tables with between 6 -8 people at each table.

Half Rounds

Half of a round table with chairs around the arc of the table

Crescent Rounds

Full round table, with chairs set to face forward only. No chairs are set on the side towards the speaker/presentation.